Bournemouth team news vs Liverpool: Kepa Arrizabalaga to return for Iraola

Bournemouth will have a former Champions League winner returning to their squad this week following his absence against Chelsea last Saturday. 

Kepa Arrizabalaga should return between the sticks for the Cherries this week after he was ineligible to face his parent club. Mark Travers will most likely drop to the bench. 

Bournemouth injury news

USA international Tyler Adams is out with a long-term back injury and won’t be returning for a few months. 

Read more: Liverpool injuries and suspensions ahead of Bournemouth

David Brooks has been training with the squad and was on the bench against Chelsea after being out with a minor injury. Enes Unal featured for the first time this season last Saturday after being injured for over four months. It is likely he will get more minutes this week. 

Moreover, midfielder Dango Ouattara may also be unavailable for the game. The 22-year-old Burkina Faso player was substituted off in the 45th minute during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Senegal with a suspected foot injury. 

He missed the game against Chelsea and fans have been frustrated with his absence.

One supporter on Instagram stated, “Real shame that. Ouattara has looked excellent this season.” Dango has notched up an assist in the Premier League so far but has been a key creative and attacking threat for Andoni Iraola’s men. 

There has been no update on his return date, but it is unlikely he will feature against the Reds.  

Cherries' steady start 

Bournemouth have had a reasonably solid start to the season, picking up five points from their first four games including that memorable win over Everton at Goodison Park. 

Their loss to Chelsea was the first of the season, but a lot of positives were taken from this game. Bournemouth had 19 shots on goal, as well as having a penalty saved and multiple quality chances which could have salvaged the points. 

The Reds will need to be wary of Marcus Tavernier, Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert whose pace, trickery and intense attacking style may undo Arne Slot’s defence. 

Liverpool really struggled against Nottingham Forest when Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi entered the fray. Their speed and pressing intimidated the Reds and the two players linked up to provide the only goal of the game. 

Bournemouth predicted line-up vs Liverpool 

Bournemouth this season have settled with one formation; that being 4-2-3-1. Since signing Evanilson from Porto, he has become the lone striker up top, allowing Semenyo to drop into the right-wing position to utilise his pace. 

The last time Liverpool faced Bournemouth, Iraola opted for a 4-2-3-1 and the Reds ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at the Vitality Stadium. 

Expected line-up: 

(4-2-3-1): Kepa, Kerkez, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Smith (c), Cook, Christie, Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo, Evanilson